TutorSyntax — Learn. Practise. Build.
COMPUTING 11–14 · LEARN. PRACTISE. BUILD.

Algorithms and data structures

Turn a problem into precise steps, then choose how information should be stored.

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What you will explore

  • Computational thinking
  • Designing algorithms
  • Data structures
  • Searching
  • Sorting

Start with the idea

An algorithm is a clear sequence of steps for solving a problem. The choice of data structure, such as a list, changes what operations are easy or efficient.

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Try it yourself

  • Write pseudocode that finds the largest number in a list of five values.
  • Dry-run your pseudocode on [4, 8, 1, 9, 2].
  • Explain why binary search cannot safely use the same mid-point elimination rule on an unsorted list.

What could this lead to?

Explore how the skills behind this topic appear in work:

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Check your understanding

Project and progression

This original TutorSyntax activity can be used before GCSE study or for enrichment. Its topic grouping relates to Ada’s published 11–14 catalogue, but it is not a confirmed GCSE specification.

Open practical activity or learning resource →See GCSE and Level 3 routes →All 10 topics →

Independent TutorSyntax teaching material · last reviewed 22 October 2026. Ada’s availability labels may change.